Kenya Power has urged customers to allow its staff to access their electricity meters and meter boxes, including opening them when necessary, as the company rolls out a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for meter reading.
In a notice on March 10, Kenya Power said that locked premises and meter boxes have remained a major challenge affecting accurate readings.
“As the system is being rolled out across the country, we have noted that locked premises and meter boxes are the main challenge affecting meter reading. Customers are therefore kindly requested to allow our staff access to meters within their premises, including opening meter boxes where necessary,” read the notice.
Kenya Power assured customers that all staff visiting customer premises will carry official identification cards displaying their staff number and national ID.
How to Confirm Kenya Power Staff
Customers can also verify personnel via the company’s “Jua for Sure” service by dialing *977# and following the prompts.
The company said that customer cooperation will help ensure timely and accurate billing as the new system is rolled out nationwide.
For more information, customers can access Kenya Power services via USSD *977#, the website www.kplc.co.ke, or by contacting Kenya Power Care at 97771.
Also Read: Kenya Power Corrects Billing Error Case of Customer Hit with KSh 69,000 Debt
Unveiling of the New Meter Reading System
In November 2025, Kenya Power introduced a new meter reading system designed to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of collecting customer consumption data, marking a fresh milestone in the company’s digital transformation initiatives.
OCR system for meter reading enables teams to scan meter displays directly, cutting manual entry errors and improving billing accuracy and efficiency.
Beyond improving efficiency, the OCR system is also designed to address billing discrepancies that have long been a source of customer complaints.
Also Read: How Kenya Power Charges You Based on Monthly Unit Consumption
Kenya Power stated that it plans to integrate OCR technology into its platforms, including the MyPower App and the USSD code *977#, to enable more accurate self-reading in the future.
Alongside the OCR initiative, Kenya Power deployed smart meters for large power users, small and medium enterprises, and selected households.
Unlike conventional meters, smart meters enable two-way communication, allowing remote readings, disconnections, and reconnections, eliminating the need for staff to visit the premises in person.
The company has also expanded digital self-service options, including the MyPower App and USSD code 977#, enabling customers to check bills, report outages, and submit their own meter readings.
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